Possible issues when connecting your Mac Mini to a monitor

Without a doubt, the Mac mini has become one of the most useful and most purchased computers. But you will need a monitor to be able to use it, as well as a keyboard and a mouse since they are not included in the box. Sometimes there may be a problem with the connection between the computer and the monitor, so in this post we will tell you about some of the possible failures with their respective solutions.

Possible issues when connecting your Mac Mini to a monitor

First of all, you should know that for the Mac mini with M1 chip, you can connect an external display up to 6K using a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port and an external display up to 4K using the HDMI 2.0 port. But for other Mac mini models, the Mac mini’s Thunderbolt 3 ports are managed by two controllers: one for the two ports on the left and one for the two ports on the right. You can connect one 5K display using one Thunderbolt 3 port, or up to three 4K displays using two Thunderbolt 3 ports and the HDMI 2.0 port. Be very clear about this so that there is no room for error with the connection port.

Mac mini

fault list

Once you know which port is correct, it’s time to connect the monitor. It is possible that if you have an old monitor, you have a problem with connectivity and you have to buy an adapter for everything to work perfectly. If it still does not work, here are a series of possible failures that can occur:

  • Power isn’t getting to the monitor: If your Mac isn’t connecting to your monitor setup, it could be caused by a few easy-to-fix issues. First, make sure your Mac and the monitors you’re trying to use are connected to a working power source. The second monitor may not work because power is not reaching the monitor
  • Check connections and cables: If you’re using a USB-C cable to connect your Mac to an external monitor, make sure the connector is fully inserted into both the Mac and the monitor. Even a small disconnection can make the monitor unrecognizable. If you’re using an adapter with a monitor that doesn’t have a USB-C connection, make sure the adapters are securely attached to each other and to your Mac. Please note that the HDMI to USB-C adapter has certain issues that can cause the adapter to crash. Mac does not recognize the external monitor.
  • Make sure your monitor is compatible . If you’re trying to use a very old monitor, it might not be compatible with the latest Mac, or the latest version of macOS. Pay attention and make sure the cable is in good condition. Old, broken or simply non-functional cables can also be the reason why your Mac is not recognizing the external monitor.

mac mini

If after all this is done, the Mac minis still can’t connect, try a different monitor to make sure the fault isn’t with the Mac but with the monitor. If it is the Mac that fails, go to an Apple Store or a SAT to find where the error is.